17 Desserts for Two That Are Perfect for a Quick Sweet Fix

Sometimes I just want something sweet without ending up with a whole pan of leftovers. That’s why I love having a few quick, small-batch dessert ideas ready to go. These are the ones I turn to when I need a treat that comes together fast and feels just right for two.

Mini Pavlova Nests

These little pavlovas have a crisp shell with a soft center and come together with just a few ingredients. They’re a smart pick when you want something sweet but don’t want to make a full batch of anything. You can top them however you like, which makes them easy to adapt based on what’s already in the fridge. They look impressive but don’t take long to pull off. This is a great way to make a quick dessert that feels like a treat without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pavlova Nests

Apple Puff Pastry Tart

This tart uses store-bought pastry and sliced apples to make something that looks and tastes like more effort than it actually takes. It bakes in under 30 minutes and works well when you want something warm and sweet without a big project. The size is just right when you're only serving one or two people. A light glaze or dusting of sugar finishes it off without much fuss. It’s a solid option when you need something fast and simple.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

This one’s quick to mix and cooks in under two minutes in the microwave. The chocolate and peanut butter combo hits that sweet spot without being too rich. It’s portioned perfectly when you’re looking to make just enough for two without leftovers. You only need basic pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up on a whim. It’s exactly the kind of thing to keep in mind for a quick fix after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Mini Pound Cake

This small version of a classic pound cake bakes up soft and buttery in just the right size. You won’t have a ton of extra cake sitting around, which is helpful when you’re only serving two. It keeps well, but it also disappears quickly if you’re sharing. You don’t need any special tools or ingredients to make it work. It’s the kind of thing that feels right when you want something home-baked but not overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pound Cake

Coconut Panna Cotta

This chilled dessert sets up in individual servings, making it an easy pick when you want something small and sweet. It takes just a few minutes of hands-on time and rests in the fridge until you’re ready. The flavor is light and smooth, and it’s easy to pair with fresh fruit or a drizzle of syrup. You don’t need any baking, which makes it a smart pick on warm days. It’s a go-to when you want something you can prep ahead and enjoy later.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

Red White and Blue Salad

This simple fruit salad comes together quickly and looks nice enough to serve without much effort. The mix of berries and soft cheese gives it a little extra flavor without being heavy. It’s ideal for warm evenings when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Since it’s already portioned small, there’s no need to make adjustments for fewer people. It’s a good go-to when you want something fresh and easy after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

Soufflé Cheesecake

This smaller cheesecake is light and fluffy, thanks to the whipped egg whites folded in. It’s baked in a small pan so you’re not stuck with too many leftovers. The texture is smooth but not dense, which makes it feel just right for a lighter dessert. It takes a bit of baking time but very little prep. If you want something that feels a little more special without much fuss, this works well.
Get the Recipe: Soufflé Cheesecake

Carrot Cake in a Mug

This mug cake delivers that cozy carrot cake flavor without needing a whole cake. It cooks quickly in the microwave and only makes one or two servings. You can mix it all in the mug, which means fewer dishes to clean. A dollop of frosting or cream cheese on top finishes it off nicely. It’s a solid pick when you want something quick that still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake in a Mug

S'mores Dip

This dip brings all the flavor of classic s’mores into a format you can make indoors. It takes just a few minutes under the broiler and works well with graham crackers for dipping. The portion size is small enough to work for two people without much cleanup. It’s especially useful when you don’t have a fire but still want that toasted marshmallow taste. It’s an easy option when you want something warm and sweet in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Air Fryer S'mores

These come together in just a few minutes using the air fryer, which makes them easy to pull off without much prep. They melt just right without needing a campfire or oven. You can make a couple at a time, which helps keep things simple when you're not feeding a crowd. They’re fun to throw together and don’t require much cleanup. This is a great way to make something sweet and fast without a lot of planning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

These apples cook quickly in the air fryer and come out warm and soft with just a touch of sweetness. They’re perfect when you want something that feels like dessert but isn’t heavy. You can serve them on their own or with a little ice cream or yogurt. The batch size is small, which means no extra servings hanging around. It’s a smart, low-effort option when you want a warm dessert for just two.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

This microwave cinnamon roll is ready in minutes and doesn't need any rising time. It’s great for when you’re craving something baked but don’t want to commit to a full pan. The soft texture and sweet glaze hit the spot without being too much. Everything mixes in one mug, so there’s barely any cleanup. It’s an easy win for a warm, quick dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

Apple Mug Cake

This mug cake is made with grated apple and cooks in just a couple of minutes. It’s soft, warm, and perfect when you want something sweet but don’t want to bake. You can make it with ingredients you probably already have. It’s small, quick, and comes together without any hassle. A great choice for when you want just enough dessert for two people.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

Nutella Mug Cake

This single-serve cake is packed with chocolate hazelnut flavor and takes about a minute to cook. It’s simple to stir together and doesn’t require anything fancy. You won’t have extra dessert sitting around, which helps when you’re just making it for one or two. It’s rich without being over the top. Perfect when you need something sweet fast and don’t want to make a mess.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Mug Cake

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

These no-bake cookies are quick to pull together with basic ingredients. They set up in the fridge and don’t take up much time or effort. The batch is small and works well when you’re just making a few servings. They hold up well in the fridge, but they probably won’t last long. A great option for a sweet snack that’s ready fast without baking.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Mini Pecan Pies

These mini pies bake up with a crisp crust and gooey center and don’t require a full pie dish. The small size makes them easy to portion out and serve without extra leftovers. They bake quickly and don’t need a long list of ingredients. You can make a couple at a time, which is great when you're only feeding one or two. It’s a smart choice for a dessert that feels like a treat without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pecan Pies

Cream Cheese Danish

These come together with store-bought dough and a simple cream cheese filling. They bake fast and are just the right size for two people. You can make them with minimal prep and still get something that feels homemade. They work well as a weekend treat or weeknight dessert. It’s a solid option when you want something warm and sweet without a big cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish